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Prototypes of Audi's worst-kept secret, the RS 6, have been sprouting up like springtime dandelions, and our spies have been having a field day picking 'em and sending them back for us to enjoy.

Those who understand Audi numerology know that the RS 6 is an Audi S6 with a few little "extras." In the engine bay, which is already filled to the brim with a Lamborghini-derived direct-injection V-10, "extras" will likely include a pair of small turbochargers, raising the output from 435 horsepower in the S6 into the 550 horsepower neighborhood. This would make the RS 6 the most powerful Audi sedan ever, as well as one of the world's most powerful four-doors, period; the RS 6 Avant will be nothing less than the most powerful wagon on earth. Among the cars the RS 6 is expected to smother in terms of raw output include the BMW M5, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and yes, even the Lamborghini Gallardo that donated the RS 6's V-10 fundamentals in the first place.

With a recalibrated Tiptronic transmission and, of course, Quattro all-wheel drive, we expect that 0-60 times will drop from 5.1 seconds for the S6 into the low fours. The RS 6 will also do without an electronic speed limiter so that the cars can continue accelerating beyond the S6's 155-mph cap to something, um, considerably higher.

Elsewhere beneath the sheetmetal is an even more buttoned-down suspension than the S6's already stiff setup, and larger, better ventilated brakes. Furthermore, we wouldn't be surprised to see carbon ceramic rotors which, hopefully, would be available in the U.S., unlike the ceramic brakes on the S8.

Recognizing the RS models will be easy, at least in the sedan's case, thanks to fender flares that lovingly (and not accidentally) recall the chiseled deltoids of the legendary, wide-body Audi Quattro coupe from the mid-1980s. The Avant prototype here does without the sedan's billowing sheetmetal but does feature RS 4-style fender lips that barely contain the fat 19-inch wheels and tires that are common to both RS 6 models. Every RS 6 will feature matte-finished silver mirror caps and window trim, in place of the polished stuff on the S6. And look closely: these prototypes are missing the cool strip of LED-style DRLs integrated into the air intakes of the S6...and we doubt they'll make it back, given that the blown V-10 will need all the cooling air it can get. In back, both models wear small lip spoilers and feature the RS's signature twin elliptical exhaust tips in place of the S's quad pipes.

Inside, the "RS" treatment will include items to dial up the intensity of the interior "atmosphere" beyond that of the S6, which is already pretty sober with carbon fiber trim, grippy sport seats, nappa leather and many top-dollar features that are optional on the more bourgeois A6. Look for a flat-bottom steering wheel, genuine aluminum shift paddles, and a leather dash top, among other changes.

It's expected to arrive here—at least in sedan form—this winter at a price somewhere just shy of $100K, and the RS 6 will be chompin' to chase down pretty much anything with an AMG or M badge on the trunk. As for the RS 6 Avant, well, don't expect it any time soon, as Europe tends to gobble up most of the hot wags the world has to offer—including the new M5 Touring. Honestly, we don't really care how much junk it can hold in the trunk, the only thing we'll be hauling is ass.